Tag: novel

This hot on the press, debut lesbian romance novel has already hit #1 on the UK Amazon Charts after only being released for one day! It’s my job to get the latest and greatest out to you :) So here is a bit about the book including a lovely Q&A with Clare Lydon!

“When the plane took off, I wondered what Karen was doing, if she was happy, knew I was leaving or wanted me back. Whatever, it was too late now. I was gone…”

Jess Sharp is at a crossroads – back in London, living in her parents’ spare room, jobless and single. Not quite the irresistible package she was aiming for at age 32. One night, things take an upward turn when she meets someone who could be a game-changer. However, everything in her riotously chaotic life seems to get in the way, including her best friend’s wedding, far too much tequila and the ghosts of girlfriends past. The course of true love has never been so injury-prone. Will Jess eventually overcome her romantic ineptitude and find her happy ever after? Or will she continue to trip over her own feet in the race for romance?

A cracking debut novel from a new UK talent that zips along with sparkling dialogue and believable, yet original characters.

About The Author

Clare Lydon is a London-based author who penned her first novel at primary school and it scored 9.5/10. She’s still not sure what she was docked half a point for. A lack of lesbians perhaps?

London Calling certainly addresses that issue, featuring a cast of London ladygays & their mates who Clare hopes are reflective of life in modern-day London. She’s already working on her second book which should be out later this year.

CLARE LYDON – Q&A

So you live in London?

I do – I love cities and New York is my second favourite. I moved to London in 1998 and have lived all around the place but mainly in Stoke Newington (lesbian central) and now in glorious Greenwich, just a stone’s throw from the Thames.

What inspired you to put your fingers on a keyboard?

I wrote my first novel in primary school – the words, images and cover, plus I even put a bar code on the back. Great attention to detail for a ten year old. I’ve been writing ever since through my work – I’m a journalist & editor – but never took the time to focus on my fiction writing. I’ve had this novel half-written for around four years so I thought it was about time to show it some love.

Any hiccups along the way?

Not really, just that I realised if you put your mind to something you can achieve it. I sound like a self-help manual don’t I? But once I was in the writing groove, I started the next one too and it just flowed out.

Ooo, a next one – so when can we expect that?

This year definitely, hopefully within six months. It’s a completely new and totally different book to London Calling. It’s set in Devon for a start!

Do you have a favorite genre of music to write to?

I tend to write in silence mostly and chatter out loud to myself constantly. But sometimes I’ll select a playlist from Napster and have it playing in the background. I can’t have anything I know the words to though as it distracts me and I sing along. My head is full of song lyrics…

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m just about to start Kiki Archer’s One Foot Onto The Ice which I’ve heard good things about. I’m also really excited to read Nick Alexander’s new one, Other Halves.

Who’s your favorite author?

Alison Bechdel, hands down. I’ve followed her Dykes To Watch Out For series since its inception and her wit, artistry and political astuteness shine through every page. Her subsequent graphic novels have been a treat too.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Come Dine With Me – my brother lives in Canada and was on the Canadian version which was hysterical. He came second so not too shabby! I also cannot be in the same room as Liquorice Allsorts without eating the lot. It’s impossible.

If you could be stuck in an elevator with any three celebrities, who would you choose?